Ahead of Halloween, millions* of pumpkins are expected to be bought across the UK, but placing carved displays directly on garden soil or grass poses a hidden threat to local wildlife. Once the spooky season ends, disposing of your pumpkins properly is just as important for keeping your garden safe and healthy.
Mark Dwelly, Head Gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls, shares his top hacks to properly care for your garden and pumpkins during and after the festivities.
Mark Dwelly, Head Gardener at Audley Stanbridge Earls top hacks
- Simple care goes along way
People mean well when they leave carved pumpkins out on the grass, but decomposing flesh and leftover candle wax can give a hedgehog severe stomach troubles right as it’s preparing to hibernate. A bit of simple care while they’re on display makes a world of difference. Keeping pumpkins up on patio steps or garden tables stops the bottoms from turning to slush, helps your carving last longer and keeps hungry wildlife out of harm’s way.
- Leave the plant skeletons standing
Put those pruning shears away! Leaving the dried, blackened seed heads of sunflowers and teasels untouched gives your garden an effortless, autumnial look on foggy mornings. Even better, those moody silhouettes double as a vital winter buffet for local birds once food gets scarce.
- Untangle the terror
Skip the stretchable plastic spiderwebs on outdoor shrubs and hedges. They’re a real nightmare for wildlife like small birds, bats, and beneficial insects can easily get entangled in the synthetic fibres. Stick to natural displays like fallen branches or just let real spiders do the weaving for you!
- A spooktacular bird snack
When you’re gutting your pumpkin, don’t scrape those seeds straight into the bin. Wash off the stringy pulp, spread the seeds out to dry, and pop them onto a bird table or patio feeder. They’re packed with healthy oils and nutrients, giving local garden birds a brilliant pre-winter energy boost.
- Bury the evidence
When November 1st hits, skip the wheelie bin. Chop your unpainted pumpkin flesh into small chunks and bury them straight into empty veg patches or flower borders. The soil will break them down over winter, giving your plot a brilliant dose of natural potassium just in time for spring planting.
